Music Groups and Companies Who Have Donated to L.A. Fire Relief Efforts
Fires across the Los Angeles area have destroyed thousands of structures and caused massive emotional distress in the industry-leading epicenter, prompting mass evacuations of nearly 200,000 residents. There are plenty of ways to support displaced citizens, and a handful of resources for entertainment industry workers, but some of the larger music companies and brands have taken matters into their own hands by making generous donations.
Angelenos are joining forces to contribute to established charities like the California Fire Foundation, the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, the L.A. Food Bank and the Pasadena Humane Society, among other specialized support centers (who are in constant need of volunteers) in areas including Santa Anita Park and the Pasadena Community Job Center, among others.
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Live Nation
Live Nation’s Crew Nation Global Relief Fund is committing $1 million to assist performing musicians, live music crew, and live music industry workers affected by the recent wildfires in L.A. Crew Nation has opened applications for grants up to $5,000 for individuals currently employed within the industry facing displacement expenses due to mandatory evacuation orders, damage, or loss. Those seeking support can apply for Crew Nation Fund grants here.
Separate from Crew Nation, Live Nation is also supporting impacted employees from its Los Angeles headquarters with direct relief through its Taking Care of Our Own program. And the company is partnering to help produce and promote FireAid, a benefit concert on Jan. 30, to help rebuild communities and support fire prevention efforts across Southern California.
ASCAP
ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has pledged $1 million for its songwriter and composer members in the Los Angeles area who have suffered loss or damage to their primary residence or studio, or been evacuated from their homes as a result of the LA fires.
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating Los Angeles fires. We are here to support our ASCAP members during troubled times, and we will ensure these funds reach ASCAP composers and songwriters in need,” said ASCAP chief executive officer Elizabeth Matthews.
Amazon Music
Amazon has pledged $10 million, with the money coming from Amazon Music, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, along with Ring and Whole Foods Market. The donation has been granted to American Red Cross of Southern California, FireAid, MusiCares Fire Relief Effort, World Central Kitchen, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Habitat for Los Angeles Wildfire Fund, and Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Relief/Recovery Fund, among others, per the company’s blog.
Sony Music
Sony has announced a $5 million donation in support of wildfire relief with the money going towards organizations supporting first responders, community relief and rebuilding efforts, and employee assistance programs.
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation
Beyoncé has committed a total of $2.5 million in fire relief, with the donation going to families in Altadena and Pasadena. In addition to helping those who lost their homes and possessions, BeyGOOD will also assist churches and community centers in other impacted areas to address the immediate needs of people affected by the fires.
Discogs
Discogs, a music marketplace, has committed to donating sales revenue from Jan. 17 to MusiCares, a non-profit branch of the Recording Academy helping people in the music industry with evacuation and relocation costs, instrument replacement/repair, home damage, medical care, mental health services, and other essential living needs.
The Recording Academy and MusiCares
The Recording Academy and MusiCares have made a combined pledge of $1 million to support music professionals impacted by the crisis.
Metallica’s All In My Hands Foundation
Metallica has pledged $500,000 to aid the recovery process, with the funds supporting the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
Warner Music/Blavatnik Foundation
The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has announced an initial $1 million donation to the Los Angeles area fire relief and rebuilding efforts. The money will go to the California Community Foundation, LAFD Foundation, Project HOPE, and MusiCares, among other organizations.
Yoshiki Foundation America
International artist Yoshiki has donated $500,000 in disaster relief to charitable organizations including MusiCares, World Central Kitchen, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, American Red Cross, Motion Picture and Television Fund, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Entertainment Community Fund.
Yoshiki said: “I canceled all of my appearances overseas because I want to be here in LA to support my friends and community. I have lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years, and it breaks my heart and gives me severe depression to see the city burning like this. I was hearing sirens and helicopters flying over, all day and night. I was also forced to evacuate, but thankfully my place did not burn, although many friends have lost everything. It’s hard to comprehend what was going on here. I’m deeply affected by this tragedy, and I’m praying for all those who have suffered from this tragedy. As I’ve been saying over the years, ‘Helping people helps yourself as well.’ I will keep supporting.”
Outlaw State of Kind
The charity formed by Chris Stapleton and his wife Morgane in 2018, Outlaw State of Kind has announced a $1 million donation to wildfire relief efforts supporting both national and local organizations.
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